Snowshoe Destinations For Traveler

Snowshoe Destinations For Traveler

The Rusty Parrot Lodge
If you are looking for a romantic snowshoe getaway in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, there is no better place to stay than The Rusty Parrot Lodge. One of the top small upscale hotels in the world, this 30-room family-run inn is full of surprises. World-class dining with organic and local ingredients, rooms furnished with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, and a thirty page wine list makes for the most enjoyable stay. There is plenty of opportunity for couples to venture out on their own, snowshoes strapped on–with miles of trails in the area. The Rusty Parrot offers a unique guided option to the Winter Teepee camp, which can’t be missed (for the night owls, try the moonlight option). The winding trail will take you on the banks of the Snake River and to amazing views of the Teton Mountain Range, where Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles often reside. If you’re lucky, you may spot the Trumpeter Swan: a winter resident of the river bottom. The trail ends at a traditional style teepee where hot chocolate, coffee and a hot lunch or dinner completes your day. After an invigorating day of snowshoeing, be sure to visit the spa or soak in one of two outdoor hot tubs.

Sun Mountain Lodge
Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountain Range in Washington State, Sun Mountain Lodge offers exceptional dining, accommodations and snowshoeing opportunities. With four room choices to choose from–including personal cabins–couples can decide whether they want a private patio, whirlpool tub, gas fireplace or all of the above. Carefully decorated with Northwest inspired artwork, handmade furniture and luxurious sheets, you may never want to leave your room. If you do choose to leave your room (and we highly suggest you do), there is no shortage of snowshoeing opportunities. Boasting more than 25 km of marked trails in the immediate area as well as three other trails systems close by, whether you are a beginner or expert, there is a trail to suit your needs.

Rabbit Hill Inn
Known as one of the best adult romantic getaways in Vermont, Rabbit Hill Inn offers an unparalleled experience in terms of accommodations and snowshoeing opportunity. Room amenities range from fireplaces to two-person whirlpools to covered porches to sundecks–and all include elegant furnishings and luxury linens. Your stay includes a candlelit breakfast, afternoon tea and a casual fine-dining dinner package can be added, if you choose. The property itself is 15 acres and offers 8 km’s of trails for snowshoeing. Exploring the surrounding area is easy with more than 75,000 acres of public and forest parkland, all available from the front door of the Inn.

Whiteface Lodge 
Located in the Adirondack Park on the shores of Lake Placid in New York State lies a lodge so beautifully built it will take your breath away. With its wood beamed exterior, cast-iron fireplaces and tastefully decorated suites, Whiteface Lodge offers couples an exceptional getaway. With a year-round outdoor heated pool, three hot tubs and a spa, your muscles will feel brand new after a day snowshoeing in the powder. For the avid snowshoers looking for groomed trails, the nearby Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Center at Whiteface Club offers the finest groomed, set track in Lake Placid. For those wanting to explore the wilderness, strap on your snowshoes and head out onto the miles of snowshoe only trails deep in the Adirondack woods.

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Tourism Trends

Tourism Trends 

Crowdsourcing Luxury Hotels
Traditionally, the construction of hotels has been financed by banks and investments, but the luxury hotel segment has been increasingly turning away from these sources of financing toward a new option: crowdsourcing. With a potentially long lead time on funding, individual luxury hotels with unique features are finding that appealing directly to the people interested in what they have to offer enables them to secure financing that might be denied by more traditional routes. Through crowdfunding, individuals interested in different hotel concepts can directly invest in the development of these new properties. One example is the Prodigy Network crowdfunding real estate firm, which is currently planning to construct a 194-unit space in downtown New York. The hotel will offer space for both short- and long-term stays.

Smart Travel
The advent of wearable tech is ushering in a new era of travel and tourism, according to some industry reports. While apps have provided some customization and reviews from individual travelers have offered tourists more and more information about the best places to see, eat and sleep, apps like TripAdvisor for the Apple Watch can send push notifications to users, with information about nearby attractions, highly rated restaurants in the user’s vicinity and more. Google Now also offers suggestions, using geo-localization to keep its suggestions relevant to the user, while also taking note of the user’s past behavior. The result will be an increase in customization that makes travel suited to your individual preferences—which, in theory, should make your trips all the more enjoyable.

Growing the Sharing Economy in China
Sharing-economy companies like Uber and Airbnb have become popular with travelers in the West (although they’re not without controversy). In China, there’s also growing interest in the sharing economy styled by such Western companies, although there’s a definite preference for the home-grown; 2014 saw a rise in the number of Chinese companies following the sharing-economy model, a trend that continued in 2015. Local media sites like Weibo and WeChat are used for reviews, while Tujia offers short-term rentals of luxury apartments. Ride-sharing and private rental companies are also on the rise in the country. That said, these start-ups have faced challenges and a shaky start, but it seems as though 2016 will be a year of exponential growth for the sharing economy. Travelers to China can expect to find more of these services and to hear more about them as well.

Iran Opens Up
Since the revolution in the late 1970s, Iran has been fairly closed to the rest of the world. The country has been especially hostile toward the West, meaning that tourism has been limited for nearly 40 years. Global relations with Iran have been improving over the past couple of years, in part due to a call for increased cooperation among Middle Eastern countries. Although Iran receives millions of visitors each year, foreign travel companies are now ready to enter the market, thus opening it up to increasing external tourism and potentially making the country one of the must-see locations for 2016. With 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there’s plenty of reason for tourists to head to Iran, the seat of the former Persian Empire. Other attractions include over a dozen ski resorts and important pilgrimage sites for Muslims.

Solo Travel
Traveling alone is nothing new. What’s new is that more and more people are interested in traveling alone—and that the people most interested in going solo are millennials. An MMGY Global Survey of American adults found that 37% of millennial respondents planned to travel by themselves in July 2015, an increase of 5% from 2014. Some suggest that millennials travel more than their parents and grandparents, simply because travel is more affordable and accessible than it was in the past. While it’s certainly true that travel is almost a way of life among younger generations, partially because of affordability and access, that doesn’t explain why so many go it alone. The leading reason for solo travel is that it’s quite simply easier to plan a trip for 1 than for 2 or more.

Americans Take More Time Off
Many U.S. corporations have long held the idea that working harder is a good thing. Growing evidence, however, suggests that not only are vacations important for workers, they’re also beneficial for companies from a financial standpoint. Unused vacation days create a financial burden should an employee (or a bunch of employees) suddenly decide to “cash” in on their paid days off. Many companies are also finding that workers who have paid time off are more motivated and loyal—which means better productivity and creativity while they are in the office. The result is that more companies are encouraging their employees to ensure they take all of their vacation days, and to take time off with some regularity. Some companies, like Netflix and Virgin Group, even offer unlimited paid holidays to their employees.

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Beautiful Small Town In USA

Beautiful Small Town In USA

Vernal
Jurassic park meets the Wild West. The land around vernal is rich with fossils from the period which began about 200 million years ago and has become the most popular prehistoric period in contemporary imagination. The Carnegie Quarry contains some 1500 actual dinosaur bones embedded in the rock. The towering pink dinosaur that greets you on arrival indicates the town’s main industry. They even discovered remains of a previously unknown species of dinosaur here in 2010. There are also significant thousand-year-old petroglyphs from indigenous people as well as examples of nineteenth century homesteads. The rugged terrain around town is scenic in the extreme with three state parks with exceptional white water rafting.

Homer, Alaska 
What dinos are to Vernal, the Northern Lights Are to Homer. Once referred to as “As far as you can go without a passport”, Homer lies just below the 60th parallel, sometimes shorthand for the beginning of the real Arctic. Fall is the peak season for the Aurora Borealis but there are also a few more things to do in Homer when the Lights go out. Art galleries. The Homer Spit is not a contest but a narrow strip of land jutting into Kachemak Bay with tourist diversions. It is serious halibut fishing and a spectacular state park with glaciers, trails and kayaking which the Travel Alaska website suggests “to escape the bustle of Homer” to the extent a remote town of 5,000 can bustle.

Stowe, Vermont 
Stowe is a downhill skiing superpower but it has diversified into an interesting year round destination. Near the Canadian border the nearest big city is Montreal. Among its oft-mentioned claims to fame is a resort run by the Von Trapp family of Sound of Music Fame celebrating its 50th anniversary as winner of the Oscar for Best Picture. It is also just 10 miles from the ice cream sacred site of the original Ben and Jerry’s, complete with the graveyard for old flavors. There is an active arts scene in Stowe and some serious chefs have serious kitchens. Pretty much a ‘something for everyone’ kind of place in a small, picturesque alpine package.

Custer, South Dakota 
For the scent and sound of the old west, head to Custer for the annual Buffalo Round Up at Custer State Park, which really is a home where the buffalo roam. They are transitioned to winter grazing land each fall and would-be cowpokes can help, or go to the Arts Festival chili cook-off, or for those born to be wild, the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. But beyond anniversary activities Custer is blessed with superb nearby attractions, maybe some of the greatest in the country. Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Park and the iconic Devil’s Tower National Monument (think Close Encounters of the Third Kind.) The town dates back to 1874 and has buildings from the 1880’s but still has only about 2,000 inhabitants. And yes of course it was named after Lt. General George Armstrong Custer.

Thibodaux, Louisiana
2015 brought two somber anniversaries for the Pelican State. A decade since Hurricane Katrina and five years on from the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill, from which the fishery in nearby Thibodaux has yet to recover fully. Over a thousand displaced people from New Orleans rode it out in Thibodaux. Nevertheless, the town remains a center of Cajun history and culture. Laurel Valley village shows what’s left of the 19th century sugar plantation. There are bayou tours and the Acadian Cultural Center to take in the region’s colorful past and present. Donner-Peltier Distillers is a craft distiller that makes a series of rums named after Rougaroux, the legendary Cajun werewolf said to be stoppable only by a stack of 13 pennies because his 12 fingers can’t cope with that many. Hence the Rougaroux 13 Pennies Praline rum for your onsite tasting pleasure.

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Most Beautiful Lake in North America

Most Beautiful Lake in North America

Skilak Lake, Alaska, USA
Located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, Skilak Lake is famous for its crystal clear waters due in part to the lakes lack of aquatic vegetation. The lake is formed by glacial run off so the water can be chilly but the scenery is amazing with views of mountains all around you. Skilak Lake is popular with Alaskans due to it’s convenient location about 2 hours from Anchorage and the lake features 2 campgrounds where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
One of a number unusual milky blue-green glacial lakes found in Banff National Park, Lake Louise has both the beauty of nature and a chateau-style hotel built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1920s. The color of the water is somewhat indescribable, appearing bright turquoise against the deep green, steep forested slopes of the glacier-topped Canadian Rockies.

Laguna Catemaco, Veracruz, Mexico
Located in the state of Veracruz, Laguna Catemaco is an ancient lake, formed when a volcanic eruption isolated its waters from the Gulf of Mexico. A popular ecotourism destination, Las Margaritas on the northeast shore of the lake offers tropical views, archaeological ruins and ancient petroglyphs. There are also miles of mountain trails and jungle trekking adventures offering breathtaking lake sightseeing.

Emerald Lake, Carcross, Yukon, Canada
This Canadian destination boasts both scenic lake views and views of the Gray Ridge Mountain. It got its name from the unusual coloration of the water, appearing a deep green-blue in the deeper sections, while the shallows sparkle like a light green opal. The effect is created by the sun reflecting off white calcium carbonate on the lake floor, creating a marbling effect on the surface.

Scargo Lake, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
Although best known for its beaches, the Cape actually has dozens of freshwater lakes and ponds. Located in the town of Dennis, Scargo Lake is situated at the foot of Scargo Hill and is ringed with dense trees that are particularly picturesque in the fall. Scargo Tower at the top of the hill is a 30-foot-tall, medieval-looking cobblestone tower, offering views of both the lake and Cape Cod Bay beyond.

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Tourist Attractions in Atlanta

Tourist Attractions in Atlanta

Atlanta Botanical Garden
This garden sits adjacent to Piedmont Park, and has a number of different sections, each highlighting a different region, plant, or animal type. These include a Japanese garden, a rose garden, woodland areas and a children’s garden. One of the main highlights of the botanical garden is the indoor Fuqua Conservatory which hosts a range of tropical, desert and subtropical plants and animals. The nation’s largest orchid collection, tropical birds, turtles and poison dart frogs. For those who are not afraid of heights, the woodland park has a large canopy walk that allows guests to explore the treetops. The botanical garden often hosts art exhibits and other charity events. The most notable of these was a display of the glass work of Dale Chihuly in 2004, and brought half a million guests to the gardens.

Fox Theatre
Originally planned as a Moorish architecture Shrine temple, the Fox Theatre ultimately developed as a lavish movie theater. It later became a performing arts theater, and continues to host the Atlanta Ballet, traveling Broadway events, and some music concerts. The theatre is a draw even for those who aren’t going to see a show, as the combined Egyptian and Islamic architecture creates a spectacle that is worth taking a tour. The theater inside is fashioned like an Arabian courtyard, complete with a twinkling crystal starry sky. There is also a large ballroom designed after the temple of Ramses II, and the mezzanine for the women’s’ restroom has King Tut’s throne and little sphinxes on the makeup tables.

World of Coca-Cola
For anyone who has ever wondered what Coca-Cola tastes like in every nation of the world, this is the place to go. One of the top attractions in Atlanta, a new museum was revamped and relocated in 2007 to house a larger collection of company paraphernalia. Sixty years of jingles, ads dating back to the 1800’s, and a 4-D movie experience are just a few of the things to experience here. One of the biggest draws here is the updated tasting room that not only allows guests to discover the preferred formula versions from different parts of the world, as well as rare local drinks via their customized freestyle machine.

Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site
This historic site includes several buildings, including the boyhood home of this civil rights leader, as well as the church where his father, and later King himself first came to preach. The firehouse that was once a main community center in the sixties, a civil rights walk of fame, and the “I Have a Dream” international world peace rose garden are also a part of this historic park. Opposite the visitor center, a large mural depicts scenes in Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. The site hosts several large events, particularly during Martin Luther King day and Black History Month.

Centennial Olympic Park
Created for the 1996 Summer Olympics that was hosted in this city, Olympic Park continues to be a tourist draw every year. Located downtown between the Aquarium and the CNN center, the park has several fun features. An interactive fountain of Olympic rings is synchronized with lights, water jets and music. This is surrounded by a collection of the flags of all of the host nations of the previous Olympics. A large, air-conditioned Ferris wheel and large lawn that hosts a summer outdoor concert series are just some of the other features of this historic location of athletic excellence.

Piedmont Park
This park in the Northeastern Atlanta near Midtown began life as an out-of-the-city gentleman’s farm owned by a doctor named Benjamin Walker. It went through a series of owners, ultimately ending up the property of the Piedmont Exposition Company. The park has had several architects of importance working on different parts, most notably Olmstead of Central Park fame, who created many pathways still in use today. It also includes a large basketball complex, and was home of Atlanta’s first team in the early twentieth century. A large fishing lake, playscape, and large lawn that is host to many concerts are just a few of the other offerings here.

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UK family holiday destinations

UK family holiday destinations

 Devon

You'll be spoilt for choice if you holiday in Devon. Up t'north you've got the stunning beaches of Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, plus the cobbled streets of Clovelly and the vast expanse of Exmoor to explore, while down south you've the considerable (and varied) attractions of Dartmoor, Plymouth, Exeter, Salcombe and Blackpool Sands. Thankfully, cream teas are served north, south, and indeed everywhere in between.
Mumsnetters say: "We had a great holiday in Devon when our first two were small - we stayed at a caravan park called Ladram Bay which had a nice pool, was right on the beach, and not far from lots of attractions. We went back last year to Ilfracombe which had a great fish and chip shop, lots to do and see, plus wonderful beaches nearby (Woolacombe was my favourite)."
Where to stay: Two self-catering properties within the region have won Mumsnet Best Awards in the last year: Three Gates Farm in Huntsham,  and North Hayne Farm Cottages in Bishops Nymphton.

 Lake District

Don your walking boots and dust off the three-wheeler buggy at the UK's largest national park - just grab a map from the many visitor centres dotted around, and head off exploring. Popular attractions include the Grizedale sculpture trail, a steamer cruise along Ullswater, and a visit to Beatrix Potter's home in Ambleside - 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of her birth so look out for special events. If you're after something a little more strenuous, there's mountain biking, climbing, walking, kayaking and canoeing readily available. Don't forget the Kendal Mint Cake!
Mumsnetters say: "I love the Lake District, and so do my children. We're going on our first foreign holiday in more than 10 years this year, but it was very much booked on the condition that we can manage a week in the Lakes too."


Northumberland 

Northumberland has been a Mumsnetter fave for the past few years and we can't see that changing any time soon. The region has something for everyone, and gets rave reviews for its beautiful clean beaches. Bamburgh's imposing castle, dramatically positioned next to the sea, is perfect for imagining 'the olden days' of knights and queens - alternatively, take a boat from Seahouses to the Farne Islands, or drive over the causeway to Holy Island. And don't forget Alnwick Castle, where many scenes in the Harry Potter films were filmed - bliss!
Mumsnetters say: "The Northumberland coast wins for us every time. If you stay in Seahouses you have all the traditional seaside stuff on the doorstep - but we tend to go for a holiday cottage in one of the pretty villages dotted around."
Where to stay: Mumsnet partner Cottages.com has over 350 properties across Northumberland and offers Mumsnetters a discounted rate - find out more.

 Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has the considerable bonus of being reached via ferry, and therefore very nearly counting as 'abroad'. Beach lovers get vast stretches of sandy coast, plus rocky beaches ideal for paddling, and the entire island has a lovely old-fashioned feel. There are walking/cycling opportunities galore and a surprisingly good section of nice pubs and restaurants, plus an array of attractions including Blackgang Chine, the Roman Villa, Osborne House and Carisbrook Castle (top tip: consider English Heritage membership if you're planning to visit more than one).
Mumsnetters say: "It's never too busy, has some lovely things to do and see, and great places to eat. Steephill Cove is one of my favourite places in the whole world."
Where to stay: Park Resorts have four parks to choose from: Nodes Point, Thorness Bay (both of which offer glamping options), Lower Hyde and Languard. Or consider self-catering at Mumsnet Best winner Nettlecombe Farm

North Norfolk

North Norfolk is a firm Mumsnetter fave, with gasp-worthy beaches and traditional seaside resorts offering a plethora of quayside seafood and fish and chip opportunities. There are plenty of English Heritage and National Trust properties, too, and adventure parks to boot. Popular spots along the coast include Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton. On the whole beaches are very accessible - just be sure to arrive at the car parks before 10.30am in peak summer.
Mumsnetters say: "For a traditional, family seaside holiday, you can't beat Wells-next-the-Sea. It's a bit posh, a bit tacky - in all the right proportions! The beach itself is great for kids; large, sandy with colourful beach huts and a big island of sand dunes."
Where to stay: For a great price on a self-catering break in North Norfolk, check out Mumsnet partner Cottages.com

Yorkshire

Yorkshire's a brilliant bet - it's got Dales and Moors, Peaks, National Parks and a breathtaking coastline. Scarborough is great for young 'uns, with a sea life centre, penny arcades, a family-friendly beach and plenty of parks.
New for 2016: Pack your swimmers and head to Scarborough’s newest attraction, the Alphamare Water Park – a multi-million pound investment scheduled to open at Easter (although do check progress updates before booking) with plenty of slides, a water playground, heated outdoor pool and a spa area.
Mumsnetters say: "If you want seaside, you can't beat Yorkshire. Beautiful coastline. There's Filey for a more traditional, sedate seaside experience - think bucket and spades, fish and chips etc. Then there's Scarborough - still traditional (fish and chips, donkey rides) but a bit more lively with lots of arcades along the seafront."
Where to stay: Mumsnet partner Hoseasons has plenty of parks across Yorkshire with accommodation in mobile homes or lodges - Mumsnetters get a discounted rate too.

Scottish Highlands, Aviemore

Aviemore
"There's nothing to do," said no one on holiday in Aviemore, ever. With wildlife parks, a mountain railway, outdoor adventure parks (think zip wires, quad biking, climbing wall, archery, clay pigeon-shooting, gorge walking, kayaking and more) plus miles and miles of beautiful trails, fishing, grass sledging and an indoor 'fun house'... Aviemore is perfect for an active family break. Frankly we're exhausted just reading about it.
Mumsnetters say: "Don't forget that there is a beach there - it's not unusual to be swimming in the loch in blazing sunshine while overlooked by snow-capped mountains!"
Where to stay: Hoseasons has two parks in the region, offering accommodation and a fantastic range of leisure facilities. We've secured a great discount for Mumsnetters too - find out more.


Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is home to the UK's only coastal national park, so it's a great spot for an active family break - especially if you're taking teenagers with bags of energy. MNers rate Tenby as a top place to stay, with its fantastic beach, National Trust properties, boat trips and a dinosaur park - plus plenty of wet weather options.
Mumsnetters say: "Probably my favourite part of the country is Pembrokeshire - there is so much space on all of the beaches, and so many to choose from."
Where to stay: For a self-catering holiday in the region, Clydey Cottages won a coveted Mumsnet Best Award. Find out why Mumsnetters rate it so highly.

Dorset

If you're holidaying with smallies, then Dorset is a good spot: old fashioned seaside resorts in Weymouth and Swanage, a wide open beach at Studland, fossil hunting on Chesil Beach, plus aquariums, Monkey World and plenty of National Trust and English Heritage properties. You can relive the Enid Blyton books of your youth in Corfe (Blyton regularly visited the area, and the castle is said to be the inspiration for Kirrin Castle). Stop at the pop shop in town for lashings of ginger beer all round.
Mumsnetters say: "We went to Weymouth last year which has a real old fashioned seaside holiday feel. There are even donkey rides on the beach. Lots to see and do in the area - my son is constantly asking to go back."
Where to stay: Hoseasons has 15 different parks available across Dorset, including coast and country retreats, with a discounted rate available for Mumsnetters - find out more.

 Cornwall

A UK holiday round-up which doesn't mention Cornwall? Impossible. A perennial favourite on the Mumsnet Talk boards, Cornwall has breathtaking coastline, family-friendly beaches and attractions like the Eden Project, Lands End, The Minack open-air theatre and St Michael's Mount. For older children there's surfing lessons, while younger kids can pootle on the beach and do some rock pooling. And let's not forget the cream teas, pasties, and ice cream - Cornwall is a foodies' paradise.
Mumsnetters say: "Bude in Cornwall gets our vote. Fabulous wild beaches - or more tame ones if you prefer. Much emptier than other parts of the Cornish coast, and only just over the Devon border so not too far to drive."
Where to stay: Three properties in Cornwall have received a Mumsnet Best Award: Bosinver Farm Cottages in St Austell, Coombe Mill in Bodmin and Tredethick Farm in Lostwithiel. Otherwise, opt for a self-catering stay with Mumsnet partner Cottages.com.

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